Pain on Right Side of Body

Pain that is only experienced on one side of the body is known as flank pain. It can be experienced on either side of the body and can be severe at times. There are many reasons why someone may experience pain on the right side of the body. While some of these conditions can be serious, others are easily treated at home. As a rule, it is always better to go to the doctor to get treatment if you are not sure what is causing the pain. Some causes can be life threatening, so it is important to seek professional medical care.

Causes for Pain on Right Side of Body

1. Pain on Right Side Near the Abdominal Region

There are several potential causes for this type of pain. Some of those causes include:

Endometriosis: This is a reproductive issue where the endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus into areas where it is not supposed to be. This causes severe pain as the tissue grows, and it can occur on either side of the body.

Appendicitis: This condition is extremely severe and requires immediate medical treatment or it could be fatal. The appendix basically becomes inflamed and starts to fill with pus. If it is not treated, the pain will only grow worse. If the appendix ruptures, the toxins that are released can immediately cause death. Go to the doctor immediately if you think that this could be the cause.

Ovarian Cysts: Cysts can grow within the ovaries and will gradually increase in size. This can cause hormonal imbalances, so many women with this condition end up experiencing symptoms like irregular periods and excessive hair growth. If the cyst ruptures, it will cause severe pain.

Ectopic Pregnancy: Sometimes, the fertilized egg does not implant in the uterus like it is supposed to. Instead, it grows in the fallopian tubes and causes severe pain. This condition must be treated by a doctor or the ectopic pregnancy can cause severe complications.

2. Causes for Pain on the Right Side of Your Back

Some of the causes of pain on the right side of your back include:

Bladder Infection: When you have a bladder infection, it can cause inflammation in the bladder, urethra, kidneys and ureters. Often, this causes a diffuse feeling of pain on the back. Depending on the severity of the condition, your symptoms may vary. You may experience burning sensations when urinating or there may be a pinkish color in your urine. Your doctor may treat you with antibiotics or other medication to help remove the infection.

Muscle Strain: Muscle strains are common reasons for pain on the right side of your body. Your back includes many muscles that are used when you sit, lean over, lift objects and walk. Sometimes, you can end up straining these muscles through overuse or through lifting something particularly heavy. When this happens, it can take days or months to heal if you are extremely injured. You should try to do yoga or walk when you can though because lying down can actually worsen the problem if you spend too many days in bed. If the pain is severe, make sure to go to your doctor for treatment.

Kidney Stones: Normally, your kidneys are able to wash away toxins, calcium and other chemicals using the liquid that you drink every day. Sometimes, the minerals are not removed properly and begin to crystallize in the kidneys. This creates kidney stones that obstruct the kidneys and cause pain. Doctors may prescribe medication to help the kidney stones dissolve or they may wait for the kidney stone to pass naturally. In severe cases, surgery may be needed, so it is important to go to the doctor if you experience this condition.

Slipped Disc: Your bony vertebra need rubbery discs to provide cushioning and absorb the shocks caused when you move. If one or more of these discs are out of alignment, it is known as a slipped disc. This condition can cause pain that is experienced on the right side of the body or in a central area. Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor may give you analgesics or surgery. He or she may also just recommend bed rest.

3. Causes of Pain on the Right Side of Your Chest

There are several reasons why you may experience pain on the right side of your chest, including:

Liver Conditions: Liver conditions like cancer, liver cysts and fatty liver disease can cause you to feel pain on the right side of your chest.

Viral Infections: A virus like the flu or common cold can cause this type of pain. Frequent, intense coughing can end up tiring out your breathing muscles so that you feel pain.

Costochondritis: Costochondritis is a type of inflammation that affects the cartilage found where the ribs connect to the breastbone. This type of condition can develop for a variety of reasons. It often occurs when a physical activity was done incorrectly or when you overworked your muscles.

Anxiety: Your mind and body are inextricably connected, so it is not surprising that anxiety can actually cause physical effects. Anxiety can be easily treated by a medical professional. Until treated, it can cause centralized pain or pain to one side of your chest.

4. Pain on the Right Side Under Your Ribs

This type of pain could be caused by:

Gallbladder Inflammation: The gallbladder is required to digest food and is located beneath the liver. When you have gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder, you may experience significant pain and nausea. You should seek immediate medical care.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a type of inflammation in the abdomen., but it can occasionally cause pain underneath your rib cage as well. You should seek professional medical care to help manage and treat IBS.